6 Things to do this winter in The Tweed Valley
Winter is when much of the Tweed Valley quite rightly takes a rest. Attractions close for cleaning, people slow down and, particularly after Christmas, the landscape quietens with fewer visitors. But for the curious, the wrapped up and the adventurous, there are still lots of pockets of life, light and stories to enjoy before spring even thinks about arriving. Here are some of my picks of just some of the best to enjoy over the next couple of months…
The Wild Writers Festival - Peebles January 29 to February 1
The perfect winter pick me up - a weekend where stories, ideas and conversations take centre stage just when we need them most. The Wild Writers Festival is intimate, energising and rooted in the landscape that inspires so much of the writing.
If you want a flavour of the festival, I recently spoke with festival organisers Rich Rowe, Erin Thompson and Fraser Morrison on my podcast — you can listen here It’s a lovely way to get into the mood before the weekend arrives.
Border Abbeys Guided Tour with Tweed Valley Blogger - Tweedbank, 14 February
A winter journey through the valley’s monastic heart. The great abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso follow the line of the Tweed, each one shaped by the river — and the river often shaped by the abbeys, too. My February tour explores their stories, and that of Jedburgh’s by the neighbouring Jed Water. We’ll discover their architecture and the quiet power they still hold in the winter light. A thoughtful way to spend a February day in the company of a 5‑star, award‑winning tour guide.
Snowdrop Festival - Kailzie Gardens from 4 February
One of the Tweed Valley’s gentler joys. Kailzie’s snowdrop walks are a reminder that winter still has beauty to offer before spring properly arrives. Wander through carpets of white at the newly rebranded Kailzie Estate and explore the woodland in its bare‑bones elegance, with the stillness that February brings.
Woodlands & Wild Garden – Kailzie Gardens
The Wee Crook Café - Tweedsmuir, open 7 days
A winter hero in Upper Tweeddale! While many places take a well earned seasonal rest, The Wee Crook (recently under new stewardship) keeps its doors open every day, offering a warm welcome to travellers at this famed spot by the Tweed. Whether you’re passing through on a frosty drive or making it your destination, it’s the perfect spot to thaw out and linger for an hour or twa.
The Forest Park - Tweed Valley, open all year
The Forest Park is the valley’s constant attraction being open, spacious and always there when you need it. Winter is the best time to be among the trees for me with mist in the pines, low sun through the branches and trails and paths that feel wonderfully empty (expect the new ones at Glentress…)
Tweed Valley Forest Park | Forestry and Land Scotland
The Great Tapestry of Scotland - Galashiels, Open Tues to Sat (winter hours)
A warm refuge for the coldest or wettest of winter days, with an abundance of stories to keep you engaged all day. The Great Tapestry of Scotland is one of the country’s most extraordinary creative achievements and winter is the perfect time to slow down, step inside and let the stories unfold stitch by stitch. Plus, the Café is first rate so a day can easily be filled under one cosy roof.
The Great Tapestry of Scotland | Scotland's history like never before
If you’re planning a winter day out in the Tweed Valley, I hope this gives you a few ideas. Feel free to share your own favourites or tag @tweedvalleyblogger if you visit any of these spots.
Images: Innerleithen High Street, Forest Park, Snowdrops - Ian Linton/Go Tweed Valley. Eastgate Theatre, Wee Crook - Gareth Easton/Go Tweed Valley. Great Tapestry - Go Tweed Valley. Scott’s View - South of Scotland Destination Alliance. With grateful thanks :)
